The 3rd International Conference on Public Health in Africa (CPHIA) held in the beautiful city of Lusaka, Zambia, marked a pivotal moment in the realm of healthcare across the continent.
From illuminating discussions on innovative healthcare practices to fostering collaborations among diverse stakeholders, the conference served as a melting pot of ideas, expertise, and solutions aimed at advancing public health in Africa.
The Africa CDC’s conference which was held under the theme “Breaking Barriers: Repositioning Africa in the Global Health Architecture,” concluded with a record attendance of 5,100 in-person and 30,000 virtually from 90 countries.
It also had 45 sessions and 97 in-person side events made this conference the highest-attended events since 2021, ushering in 10k among global health professionals. It also witness registrations worldwide, 52% male and 48% female, including 5% from North America, 8% from Europe, 1% from Middle East, 76% from Africa, 15 from South Africa, and another 1% from Asia.
The conference commenced with a stirring keynote address by prominent health leaders, setting the tone for enlightening discussions on pressing health challenges. Sessions covering diverse topics, from infectious diseases to non-communicable diseases, showcased groundbreaking research, innovative interventions, and policy dialogues aimed at addressing Africa’s unique health landscape.
The opening ceremony concluded that health Solutions are coming from African Institutions, startups, entrepreneurs, Scientists, researchers, and leaders.
The Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr. Tedros Adhanam Ghebreyesus, was presented with the CPHIA lifetime Achievement in Public Health Award. Also, Afruca CDC and the Mastercard Foundation announced the 2nd phase of the Savings Lives and Livelihoods Programe.
The second day buzzed with excitement as exhibitors and innovators showcased cutting-edge technologies, medical devices, and public health initiatives. The exhibition hall was abuzz with demonstrations of telemedicine solutions, mobile health apps, and novel diagnostic tools tailored to address the specific needs of African communities.
Key Themes and Discussions
Delving into multiple themes and tracks, the conference served as a platform for critical conversations that are paramount to advancing healthcare across the African continent. There were 9 scientific plenaries, 18 parallel sessions, 18 Abstracts sessions, 3 special sessions, over 180 speakers, 105 Oral abstract presenters and 197 poster presentations.
Track 1: Pandemic Preparedness and Resilient Financing Mechanisms for Africa**
The conference kick-started with a deep dive into pandemic preparedness and addressing the need for robust healthcare financing models that sustainably support healthcare systems during crises.
Discussions emphasised proactive strategies essential for Africa’s resilience against future pandemics.
Track 2: Fostering African-led Innovation
Amidst discussions on advancing local production in vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutics, the conference spotlighted the significance of homegrown innovation. Conversations centered on nurturing Africa’s healthcare industry, promoting self-sufficiency, and harnessing indigenous solutions.
Track 3: Delivering Universal Health Coverage in Africa**
Emphasising the need for strengthened and equitable health systems, this track advocated for universal health coverage across Africa. Dialogues focused on strategies to ensure equal access to quality healthcare services, aiming to bridge the gap between rural and urban healthcare disparities.
Track 4: For Women by Women**
Addressing the specific healthcare needs of young girls and women in Africa, this track advocated for adequate and inclusive healthcare services. Discussions highlighted the imperative of gender-sensitive approaches and initiatives empowering women in healthcare decision-making.
Track 5: Safeguarding Africa’s Health Security**
Engaging in comprehensive dialogues on health emergencies, biosecurity threats, and climate change impacts, this track underscored the urgency of multi-sectoral response mechanisms. Participants emphasized collaborative strategies to protect Africa’s health security amidst diverse challenges.
Transforming Health in Africa through Digital Innovation**
Shifting the focus towards the transformative power of digital innovation in healthcare, discussions explored leveraging technology to revolutionize healthcare delivery. Insights highlighted the potential of digital solutions in overcoming healthcare access barriers.
Track 7: Whole-of-Society Engagement**
Recognizing the potency of engaging civil society, private sector entities, and local philanthropy, this track advocated for collaborative efforts. Conversations emphasized harnessing collective strengths for sustainable healthcare solutions.
Track 8: Combating Infectious Diseases and Antimicrobial Resistance**
Strategies to combat infectious diseases and address antimicrobial resistance took center stage. The discussions aimed to strengthen disease control measures, urging for cohesive actions against emerging health threats.
Track 9: Unmasking the Silent Epidemics**
Highlighting often-neglected health challenges like NCDs, mental health, and injuries, this track brought attention to silent epidemics. Participants urged for comprehensive approaches to address these critical healthcare issues.
Collaborations and Networking:
One of the highlights of the conference was the fostering of collaborations among public health practitioners, policymakers, researchers, and innovators. Networking sessions facilitated dialogue, encouraged knowledge exchange, and forged partnerships to catalyze impactful initiatives across borders.
Journalism Fellowship
The Conference also introduced a 6-month journalism fellowship for 45 young journalists across Africa on Public health.
Africa CDC, WHO launches 5- year plan to strengthen PHEOC in 50 Countries
The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and member states have launched a five-year strategic plan (2023-2027) to plan to fully establish operational Public Health Emergency Operations Centres (PHEOCs).
This strategic plan is a leap toward enhancing regional health preparedness and response.
According to the Director- General of the Africa CDC, Jean Kaseya who made the announcement, he said the plan in pursuit of their shared commitment to establish a minimum of 90% coverage of operational PHEOCs in Member States within Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean Region.
He further revealed that they also had engagements on the Joint Emergency Preparedness and Response Action Plan (JEAP) which will unite all Member States on the continent in their response to emergencies.
Mr Kaseya said if only one African country is ready to respond to a public health emergency, all countries in the region are at risk and exposed to outbreaks.
He said the Africa region is facing an average of two to three outbreaks per week, noting that the only way to prevent and respond to outbreaks is through strong PHEOCs.
He said while progress has been recorded in strengthening emergency preparedness and response, disparity still exists.
“Let us put our hands together, let us be sure that we are working, let us ensure that we provide at least the $181 million needed to implement the plan,” he said.
As part of the public health emergency management program, the PHEOC functions commonly addressed in PHEOC legal instruments include elements of risk analysis, preparedness, response, and recovery.
Additional goals include making sure that by 2027, at least 90% of PHEOCs in the member states of Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean region have information management and sharing platforms with the minimal amount of data necessary; and that by the same year, at least 90% of member states in Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean region have a PHEOC facility in place that is outfitted with the necessary physical infrastructure, information technology, and communication systems. A functional PHEOC is critical for the implementation of the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005).
The Framework for a Public Health Emergency Operations Centre provides high-level guidance for establishing or strengthening a PHEOC. To establish and/or strengthen a PHEOC, it is vital for Member States to align with standardised policies, guidelines and tools.
It serves as a hub for better coordinating the preparation, response, and recovery for public health emergencies. Additionally, it defines the emergency measures to be implemented depending on the public health events involved.
It ensures that all necessary plans and procedures for public health emergency management are in place. Moreover, promotes an integrated and coordinated system for public health emergency management.
The plan creates and develops response plans and standard operating procedures by ensuring timely, event-specific operational decision-making, using the best available information, policy, technical advice and plans.
2024 Preview: Morocco’s Host Role
The conference culminated in the announcement that Morocco would host the 2024 CPHIA conference. Anticipation mounted as discussions highlighted Morocco’s commitment to showcasing its innovative healthcare models, cultural richness, and contributions to the African health landscape.
The 2023 CPHIA conference in Zambia served as a beacon of hope, fostering a sense of unity and collective responsibility towards addressing Africa’s public health challenges. The momentum gained from this conference sets the stage for continued collaboration, innovation, and concerted efforts to transform healthcare across the continent.
